4,352 readsThe Jaguares got back to winning ways last week and need to defeat the Force tonight to give themselves a chance of securing a maiden Super Rugby finals appearance. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:40am AEST.
Its been a season of ups and downs for the Jaguares so far. They started the year very well, racing to a 4-1 record before embarking on a poor tour of South Africa, where they suffered three successive defeats.
Despite this, they more than held their own against powerhouse South African sides such as the Sharks and Lions away from home, proving that the Jaguares are more than capable of holding their own against the better teams in Super Rugby.
The home defeat to the Sharks a fortnight ago however hurt. The Jaguares in Argentina really should make home advantage count, and losing at home to the Sharks could prove very costly as the race for the finals heats up.
Despite ending their losing streak with a high-scoring win over the ever-improving Sunwolves, the pressure is still on the Jaguares to secure back-to-back wins against a struggling Force team whose future as a franchise appears to be coming to an end.
The Force have impressed at times this season with their tenacity to compete, particularly at home. Away however, it remains to be seen if they have what it takes to upset a Jaguares team back on winning ways.
Prediction
This is another danger game for the Jaguares. The Force will be eager to secure as many wins as possible to give fans something to cheer about before their seemingly inevitable end as a franchise.
With the Jaguares having a lot more to play for, however, one expects the Argentine outfit to secure a much-needed win that keeps them in the hunt for a finals birth.
Jaguares by 14
12:35am
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg said | 12:35am | ! Report
Finally an OZ team this week looking to give us hope for the future….oh wait….?
12:33pm
Cynical Play said | 12:33pm | ! Report
When is DHP back. This side is well-coached and gutsy.
6:28pm
Rebellion said | 6:28pm | ! Report
Easily the worst I’ve seen the Jaguars play this season. I think it’s safe to say the Jaguars lost this match rather tyan be defeated by a superior opponent.
Hats off to the Force though – you have to ride your good fortune when you can
12:54am
The Desert Nut said | 12:54am | ! Report
You are insufferable, aren’t you? As the saying goes ‘you make your own luck’. The Force have not won games due to their opponents having an off day. It has come through hard work and a gutsy determination that the rebels haven’t shown this season. Maybe its time to look with both your eyes instead of one – the Force are better than the Rebels and the tide has swung in favour of the sea of blue
6:29am
Rebellion said | 6:29am | ! Report
We’re talking about the Jaguars.
Not the Hurricanes, Crusaders, Chiefs, Highlanders, Blues or any of the six South African teams.
It’s only the Jaguars – having an off-night to boot
12:33pm
Cynical Play said | 12:33pm | ! Report
When is DHP back. This side is well-coached and gutsy.
10:55am
robel said | 10:55am | ! Report
Well done Force. Somehow my recoding on Foxtel didn’t work. I’ll have to wait ’til 1pm to watch it.
5:38pm
robel said | 5:38pm | ! Report
Could’ve been, should’ve been a bonus point win.
10:13am
Dean said | 10:13am | ! Report
is it just me or are the jaguars a bunch of grubs ?constant niggle and grubby Tactics
12:55pm
piru said | 12:55pm | ! Report
Nope, not just you.
They’re also floppers – note the penalty on Coleman for the ‘late’ tackle on the hooker.
If they spent more time playing rugby and less with their arms raised appealing for penalties they might have won.
Soccer mentality, not needed in rugby.
10:12am
Adsa said | 10:12am | ! Report
Well played Force, great effort to record an away win, not many Oz sides produce a win offshore these days. I thought they were dudes on the obstruction call at the start of the 2nd half. Can’t see how the Force player (Cowan?) could have got out of the way, he certainly did not change his direction.
9:59am
Machpants said | 9:59am | ! Report
Well done Force, you ruined my perfect picks this round!
10:58am
Jibba Jabba said | 10:58am | ! Report
Yeah ! (Us of little faith ! )
2:36pm
ThugbyFan said | 2:36pm | ! Report
Ha Machpants, for months now, the Force have been the only Aussie side whose forwards play like a pack of piggies are supposed to. They have kept their team in each game, despite only a run-of-the-mill backline. One or two quality centres and 5/8’s with speed to burn and perhaps 2-3 quality forward reserves and they would win heaps. The Brumbies pack are the only ones near them. Odd that both these teams have skyscrapers called Arnold in them.
Anyhow congratulations on a near perfect pick, I doubt if many folks will even get that close. My effort died with the Hurricanes and Sharks so you smashed me. 🙂
9:44am
Harry said | 9:44am | ! Report
Congratulations to the Western Force players and coaches for a great win. Won the battle up front and eventually put their opponents away in the backs. Many fine performances … Meakes, Prior and Newsome in the backs, the entire forward pack really, including the bench forwards who did what all benches should – provided real impact and lift when they came on.
9:37am
andrewM said | 9:37am | ! Report
Thanks for the commentry Alan. Good to see the Force close a tight away game
9:30am
Alan Nicolea said | 9:30am | ! Report
The Force have conquered the Jaguares and head back to Perth with a priceless ten point win, thus keeping their finals hopes alive in the process. Both teams struggled to get clicking in attack but the Force were very committed and received just reward for a tough performance in Argentina.
The Jaguares produced arguably their worst performance, home or away this season and have now blown a great chance to get themselves back into finals contention after the Sharks slipped up against the Kings earlier on this morning.
The Jaguares now head into the bye, contemplating a real lost opportunity. They needed to win this and failed big time. Poor execution all round from home side.
The Force now play the Highlanders at home. It is a step up in class but the Force have never lost through lack of effort. They pushed the Chiefs in Perth and can push the Highlanders as well.
Well done to the Force. Despite a bleak future, where there is life, there is hope and the Force have hope in abundance now.
Jaguares 6
Force 16
12:25pm
Rhys Bosley said | 12:25pm | ! Report
Well done Force, great heart!
9:28am
Geoff Parkes said | 9:28am | ! Report
Well done Alan and well done Force!
9:28am
bigbaz said | 9:28am | ! Report
Ref hasn’t helped the the game nor some of the skill but I really enjoyed the game. Good to see a 5/8 take control and close out a game for an Aussie side
9:44am
Harry said | 9:44am | ! Report
True that, such a shame he’s a Saffa!
9:53am
bigbaz said | 9:53am | ! Report
Yep, but if the Force stay in the comp he’s the type that will teach young no 10s more than anyone else running around in Australia.
10:34am
Kirky said | 10:34am | ! Report
Harry, It makes a difference mate?
12:53pm
Harry said | 12:53pm | ! Report
Yes. Comment from a Wallaby supporter’s perspective. Australian rugby has precious few flyhalfs coming through (some good very young ones potentially in Stewart, Mason and Lucas).
The Rebels and the Brumbies first choice flyhalfs are a Fijian and a Kiwi who both couldn’t down spots in NZ SR squads.
Lance not as good as Grant, Jack Deb doesn’t seem up to flyhalf. Just Foley and Quade to consider, not enough.
12:56pm
Fionn said | 12:56pm | ! Report
I think Jackson-Hope will be there in a few years.
2:39pm
ThugbyFan said | 2:39pm | ! Report
I J-Hope so. 🙂